Among all countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Turkey, followed by Korea, had the highest rate of Caesarean section births (or C-sections) in 2022. At that time, the rate of C-sections in Turkey was roughly 600 per 1,000 live births. Among global regions, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest percentage of births that were delivered by C-section, while sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest rates of Cesarean section births. Cesarean section costs A Cesarean section is a form of birth where the baby is taken out through a surgical incision in the abdomen rather than a natural vaginal birth. The cost of a Cesarean section delivery varies globally, with the United States having the highest cost globally for Cesarean section deliveries, while Germany the lowest cost among selected countries worldwide. In the United States, C-sections are significantly more expensive than a delivery by vaginal birth. High C-sections rates in the U.S. Over the past 20 years the C-section rate in the U.S. has gradually been increasing with more stable trends in the past few years. It has been reported that many of the C-sections performed in the U.S. are elective and not necessary. Often, the risks of C-sections are greater than the benefits, when performed as an elective procedure. Therefore, the United States has a "healthy people target" for the c-section rate of first time, low-risk mothers. However, less than half of hospitals are meeting the national targets for Cesarean sections performed.

This statistic depicts the percentage of births that were delivered via cesarean section worldwide in 2000 and 2015, by region. According to the data, Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest rate of cesarean sections in 2015 with 44.3 percent of births being delivered by c-section.

Cesarean rates worldwide continue to increase and are projected to reach 28.5 percent by 2030 from 21.1 percent in 2018. In 2018, the highest rate of c-section was in the Latin America and the Caribbean region at nearly 43 percent. Yet the largest growth is projected for the region of Eastern Asia, where more than half of all childbirth occurs by c-section. As of 2021, this is already the case in four OECD countries.

In 2022, the cost of a C-section delivery in a hospital in the United States was 13,601 U.S. dollars, the highest by far compared to other countries in the international report. To illustrate, a C-section in a hospital in Germany cost just 2,419 U.S. dollars. The cost of childbirth vaginally was also highest in the U.S. that year.

This dataset presents the percentage of births delivered by caesarean section in each country. Caesarean birth rates reflect access to surgical delivery when medically indicated, as well as the potential for overuse. Data are drawn from the OECD Data Explorer where available, and from UNICEF’s 'Delivery Care' dataset for other countries. Monitoring caesarean rates supports health system analysis, informed policy, and efforts to ensure safe, respectful, and appropriate delivery care worldwide.Data Sources: OECD: https://data-explorer.oecd.orgUNFPA: https://data.unicef.org/topic/maternal-health/delivery-care/ Data Dictionary: The data is collated with the following columns:Column headingContent of this columnPossible valuesRefNumerical counter for each row of data, for ease of identification1+CountryShort name for the country195 countries in total – all 194 WHO member states plus PalestineISO3Three-digit alphabetical codes International Standard ISO 3166-1 assigned by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). e.g. AFG (Afghanistan)ISO22 letter identifier code for the countrye.g. AF (Afghanistan)ICM_regionICM Region for countryAFR (Africa), AMR (Americas), EMR (Eastern Mediterranean), EUR (Europe), SEAR (South east Asia) or WPR (Western Pacific)CodeUnique project code for each indicator:GGTXXnnnGG=data group e.g. OU for outcomeT = N for novice or E for ExpertXX = identifier number 00 to 30nnn = identifier name eg mmre.g. OUN01sbafor Outcome Novice Indicator 01 skilled birth attendance Short_nameIndicator namee.g. maternal mortality ratioDescriptionText description of the indicator to be used on websitee.g. Maternal mortality ratio (maternal deaths per 100,000 live births)Value_typeDescribes the indicator typeNumeric: decimal numberPercentage: value between 0 & 100Text: value from list of text optionsY/N: yes or noValue_categoryExpect this to be ‘total’ for all indicators for Phase 1, but this could allow future disaggregation, e.g. male/female; urban/ruraltotalYearThe year that the indicator value was reported. For most indicators, we will only report if 2014 or more recente.g. 2020Latest_Value‘LATEST’ if this is the most recent reported value for the indicator since 2014, otherwise ‘No’. Useful for indicators with time trend data.LATEST or NOValueIndicator valuee.g. 99.8. NB Some indicators are calculated to several decimal places. We present the value to the number of decimal places that should be displayed on the Hub.SourceFor Caesarean birth rate [OUN13cbr] ONLY, this column indicates the source of the data, either OECD when reported, or UNICEF otherwise.OECD or UNICEFTargetHow does the latest value compare with Global guidelines / targets?meets targetdoes not meet targetmeets global standarddoes not meet global standardRankGlobal rank for indicator, i.e. the country with the best global score for this indicator will have rank = 1, next = 2, etc. This ranking is only appropriate for a few indicators, others will show ‘na’1-195Rank out ofThe total number of countries who have reported a value for this indicator. Ranking scores will only go as high as this number.Up to 195TrendIf historic data is available, an indication of the change over time. If there is a global target, then the trend is either getting better, static or getting worse. For mmr [OUN04mmr] and nmr [OUN05nmr] the average annual rate of reduction (arr) between 2016 and latest value is used to determine the trend:arr <-1.0 = getting worsearr >=-1.0 AND <=1.0 = staticarr >1.0 = getting betterFor other indicators, the trend is estimated by comparing the average of the last three years with the average ten years ago:decreasing if now < 95% 10 yrs agoincreasing if now > 105% 10 yrs agostatic otherwiseincreasingdecreasing Or, if there is a global target: getting better,static,getting worseNotesClarification comments, when necessary LongitudeFor use with mapping LatitudeFor use with mapping DateDate data uploaded to the Hubthe following codes are also possible values:not reported does not apply don’t knowThis is one of many datasets featured on the Midwives’ Data Hub, a digital platform designed to strengthen midwifery and advocate for better maternal and newborn health services.

Trends in selected fetal and newborn outcomes by Robson group.

Among all U.S. states, Nebraska had the highest hospital-based Cesarean section delivery rate as of 2017, with ** percent of births being delivered via Cesarean section. Cesarean section rates were calculated for first-time, low-risk mothers. Nebraska’s Cesarean section rate is significantly higher than the U.S. target. According to recent data, over half of U.S. hospitals have C-section delivery rates higher than the national U.S. targets.

Risks of Cesarean section

A Cesarean section (or C-section) is a surgical procedure for delivering babies in which a baby is delivered by being removed through the abdomen as opposed to being delivered vaginally. Most deaths due to childbirth in the U.S. are preventable. However, women that deliver via C-section are more prone to specific health risks including, infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to the bladder, kidneys and other internal organs. While cost may not directly affect health, the risk of financial troubles based on medical expenditures is also an issue with C-section deliveries. The U.S. has some of the highest costs globally for C-section deliveries.

High U.S. Cesarean section rates

Among all OECD countries the United States raked among the top five for highest rates of cesarean section deliveries. The number of C-sections performed in the U.S. has dramatically increased since 1997. Among mothers in the U.S., older women have higher rates of C-section delivery.

Cesarean Section Pack Market Outlook

The global Cesarean Section Pack market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 2.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period. The increasing number of cesarean deliveries and the rising awareness regarding hygiene and infection control in surgical procedures are key growth factors driving this market. The rising demand for cesarean section packs is influenced by several factors including technological advancements and the growing emphasis on patient safety.

The increasing prevalence of cesarean deliveries is a significant driver of the market. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the rate of cesarean section births has increased globally, with some countries experiencing rates higher than 30% of all births. This upsurge is attributed to various factors, including the rise in maternal age, multiple births due to fertility treatments, and the increased prevalence of medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women. As these conditions often necessitate cesarean deliveries, the demand for cesarean section packs is anticipated to grow in tandem.

Technological advancements in the medical field are also a substantial growth factor for the Cesarean Section Pack market. Innovations in medical materials and sterilization techniques have led to the development of more efficient and safer cesarean section packs. For instance, disposable cesarean section packs have become more prevalent due to their convenience and reduced risk of infection. Additionally, ongoing research and development in the healthcare sector are continuously improving the quality and functionality of these packs, making them an indispensable part of modern surgical procedures.

Another crucial factor contributing to market growth is the rising awareness and implementation of stringent infection control measures in healthcare facilities. Hospitals and surgical centers are increasingly adopting sterile disposable products to minimize the risk of post-operative infections. The heightened awareness of the potential complications associated with surgical site infections has propelled the demand for high-quality cesarean section packs. This trend is further supported by regulatory guidelines and policies advocating for the use of sterile and disposable surgical instruments.

In recent years, the concept of Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs has gained traction in the healthcare industry. These packs are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of medical practitioners, allowing for a more customized approach to surgical procedures. By incorporating practitioner input, these procedure packs can enhance surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. The flexibility offered by Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs enables healthcare providers to select the most appropriate components for each procedure, ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are readily available. This customization not only improves workflow but also reduces the risk of errors and enhances the overall quality of care. As the demand for personalized medical solutions continues to grow, the adoption of Practitioner-Specified Procedure Packs is expected to rise, offering significant benefits to both healthcare providers and patients.

Regionally, the Cesarean Section Pack market is expected to exhibit significant growth across various regions, with Asia Pacific and North America leading the charge. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness robust growth due to the large population base, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness about maternal health. North America, on the other hand, is driven by the high rate of cesarean deliveries and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Europe is also expected to show considerable growth, supported by the strong presence of key market players and well-established healthcare systems. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are likely to experience moderate growth due to improving healthcare facilities and increasing awareness.

Product Type Analysis

The Cesarean Section Pack market is segmented by product type into Disposable Cesarean Section Pack and Reusable Cesarean Section Pack. Disposable cesarean section packs are increasingly preferred due to their single-use nature, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination and infection. These packs are design

Cesarean sections (CS) rates using the Robson´s classification in Peru, 2000–2010.

The global disposable cesarean section pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, and a growing preference for convenient, sterile, and pre-packaged surgical kits. The market is estimated to be valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2025, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7% between 2025 and 2033. This growth is fueled by several key trends, including the increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases associated with higher cesarean delivery rates, and the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies. Major players like Unigloves, Medline Industries, and 3M are strategically investing in research and development, product innovation, and geographic expansion to capitalize on this expanding market. However, market growth faces certain restraints. Fluctuations in raw material prices, stringent regulatory approvals for medical devices, and potential pricing pressure from generic competitors could impact profitability and expansion plans. Market segmentation reveals a strong demand for advanced packs incorporating innovative features such as antimicrobial properties and improved ease of use. Geographical analysis indicates that North America and Europe currently hold significant market shares, but Asia-Pacific is poised for substantial growth due to increasing healthcare expenditure and rising birth rates in developing nations. The forecast period, 2025-2033, is expected to witness significant advancements in pack design and functionality, leading to improved surgical outcomes and enhanced patient safety.

The global disposable cesarean section pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for infection control in healthcare settings, and the convenience and cost-effectiveness offered by pre-assembled packs. While precise market size data for 2025 is unavailable, considering a plausible market size of $1.5 billion in 2025 and a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% based on industry trends, the market is projected to reach approximately $2.2 billion by 2033. This growth is further fueled by advancements in pack contents, including improved materials and sterilization techniques that enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of surgical site infections. The market is segmented by AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) levels (1-4), reflecting the varying sterility requirements and pack contents, and by application (hospital, clinic, others), indicating the diverse settings utilizing these packs. Key players in this competitive market are continuously innovating to offer comprehensive, high-quality solutions, further driving market expansion. Significant regional variations exist, with North America and Europe currently holding the largest market shares, owing to established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rates. However, emerging economies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa are expected to witness substantial growth in the forecast period, driven by increasing healthcare spending and rising awareness regarding infection control protocols. Market restraints include price sensitivity in certain regions, regulatory hurdles for new product approvals, and the potential for substitution with reusable packs in some settings. However, the overall long-term outlook for the disposable cesarean section pack market remains positive, underpinned by consistent growth in cesarean deliveries and the continuous demand for enhanced safety and efficiency in surgical procedures.

The global Cesarean Section Pack market is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising cesarean birth rates worldwide, increasing demand for sterile and infection-control procedures in healthcare settings, and a growing preference for convenient, pre-packaged kits among healthcare professionals. The market's expansion is further fueled by advancements in medical technology, leading to the development of more efficient and effective packs tailored to specific surgical needs. While challenges exist, such as price sensitivity in emerging markets and stringent regulatory requirements, the overall market outlook remains positive. We estimate the market size in 2025 to be approximately $1.5 billion USD, based on observed growth in similar medical supply markets and considering the penetration of cesarean sections globally. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% is projected for the forecast period (2025-2033), reflecting sustained demand and innovation in the sector. Key market segments include disposable and reusable packs, categorized by components such as drapes, gowns, gloves, instruments, and antiseptic solutions. Competitive intensity is moderate to high, with established players like 3M, Medline Industries, and Mölnlycke Health Care vying for market share alongside smaller, specialized companies. Geographic regions like North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to higher healthcare spending and advanced healthcare infrastructure, but significant growth opportunities exist in developing economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America as healthcare infrastructure improves and cesarean birth rates rise. The market is expected to see increased consolidation, with larger companies potentially acquiring smaller players to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach. Furthermore, technological advancements focusing on improved sterility, reduced costs, and enhanced surgical efficiency are likely to shape the market's future trajectory.

Adjusted OR for stillbirths, low birth weight (LBW) and maternal mortality (MM) by Robson Group.

This statistic displays the share of childbirths that were delivered by caesarean section in Europe in 2015, by country. In this year, almost ** percent of births in Cyprus were delivered by caesarean section, the highest rate in Europe.

Change in caesarean section rates in 121 countries categorised according to the United Nations geographical grouping from 1990 to 2014a.

The data shows the statistics of different medical services on a cumulative yearly basis in other states up to the sub-district level of 2011-2012. It included 1) Ante Natal Care (ANC) - Antenatal care (ANC) is a means to identify high-risk pregnancies and educate women so that they might experience healthier delivery and outcomes. 2) Deliveries - The delivery of the baby by the pregnant women 3) Number of Caesarean (C-Section) deliveries - Caesarean delivery (C-section) is used to deliver a baby through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and uterus. 4) Pregnancy outcome & details of new-born - The records kept of the pregnancy outcome along with the details of new-born 5) Complicated Pregnancies - The different pregnancies that were not normal and had complications 6) Post Natal Care (PNC) - Postnatal care is defined as care given to the mother and her new-born baby immediately after the birth of the placenta and for the first six weeks of life 7) Reproductive Tract Infections/Sexually Transmitted Infections (RTI/STI) Cases - The records of reproductive tract infections along with the records of the sexually transmitted cases 8) Family Planning - The different methods used by families to keep track of family 9) CHILD IMMUNISATION - The records of child immunisation which are records of vaccination 10) Number of cases of Childhood Diseases (0-5 years) - The records of the number of cases of childhood diseases within the age of 5 years old 11) NVBDCP - The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is one of the most comprehensive and multi-faceted public health activities in the country and concerned with the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, namely Malaria, Filariasis, Kala-azar, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE). 12) Adolescent Health - The record of the conditions of adolescent health 13 ) Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) - Directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS, also known as TB-DOTS) is the name given to tuberculosis (TB) control strategy recommended by the World Health Organization 14) Patient Services - Patient Services means those which vary with the number of personnel; professional and para-professional skills of the personnel; specialised equipment, and reflect the intensity of the medical and psycho-social needs of the patients. 15) Laboratory Testing - A medical procedure that involves testing a sample of blood, urine, or other substance from the body. Laboratory tests can help determine a diagnosis, plan treatment, check if the treatment works, or monitor the disease over time. 16) Details of deaths reported with probable causes - The reports of deaths recorded with possible reasons are given in a detail 17) Vaccines - The reports of vaccines which are recorded 18) Syringes - It is the number of syringes that are used and recorded 19) Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK) - Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) is an important initiative aiming at early identification and early intervention for children from birth to 18 years to cover 4 'D's viz. Defects at birth, Deficiencies, Diseases, Development delays, including disability. 20) Coverage under WIFS JUNIOR - The coverage of the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Programme for children six to one 21) Maternal Death Reviews (MDR) - A maternal death review is cross-checking how the mother died. It provides a rare opportunity for a group of health staff and community members to learn from a tragic – and often preventable. 22) Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK)- This initiative provides free and cashless services to pregnant women, including normal deliveries and caesarean operations. It entitles all pregnant women in public health institutions to free and no-expense delivery, including caesarean section.

The total average hospital bill for U.S. births varies depending on the kind of birth. In 2013, the average cost of an uncomplicated vaginal birth was around 32 thousand U.S. dollars. For a standard Cesarean section birth the cost was near 51 thousand U.S. dollars at that time. Cesarean sections are performed via the surgical removal of an infant from the mother.

Birth costs

The United States has one of the highest birthing costs in the world. The average hospital and physician costs for a normal vaginal delivery in the United States may cost twice as much as a normal vaginal birth in Australia. Cesarean sections costs are more expensive than vaginal births, but the cost difference is similar. The United States, followed by Switzerland, had the highest costs among select countries for C-section deliveries.

Birth rates and mother's age

The birth rate in the United States has decreased dramatically in recent history. Some evidence suggests that birth rates may be impacted by family income. According to recent data, lower incomes have higher birth rates in the United States. Birth rates were highest among women aged 20 to 34 years. However, there is an increasing tendency of mothers being older at the time of their first birth.

Trends in selected labor characteristics and maternal outcomes by Robson group.

Trends in indications for caesarean section in the relevant categories of women in the Robson classification in Peru, 2000–2010.

The global Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Devices market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing cesarean birth rates, rising maternal mortality rates in developing countries, and growing awareness about PPH prevention and management. The market's expansion is further fueled by technological advancements in PPH devices, leading to the development of more effective and minimally invasive solutions. Key players like BD, Cook Medical, C. R. Bard, Teleflex, Utah Medical Products, and ZOEX are actively contributing to market growth through product innovation and strategic partnerships. While the market faces restraints such as high device costs and the need for skilled healthcare professionals, the overall positive trend is expected to continue. Segmentation by device type (e.g., uterine balloon tampons, Bakri balloons, surgical instruments) and application (e.g., hospitals, clinics) reveals varying growth rates, with minimally invasive devices and advanced surgical tools experiencing significant demand. Regional analysis indicates a higher market share for North America and Europe, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high awareness levels. However, emerging economies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing rapid market growth due to increasing healthcare expenditure and rising awareness of maternal health. The market is projected to maintain a strong CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2033), leading to substantial market expansion. The market's future hinges on several factors. Continued technological innovation leading to improved device efficacy and safety profiles will remain a crucial driver. Expanding access to quality maternal healthcare in low- and middle-income countries will also be critical. Furthermore, collaborative efforts between device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to promote PPH awareness and improve training programs will positively influence market expansion. Stringent regulatory approvals and the need for skilled professionals to operate advanced devices could represent challenges, requiring the industry to adapt and proactively address these considerations to ensure sustainable growth. The market's trajectory will depend on addressing these aspects while capitalizing on the strong market fundamentals and increasing global focus on maternal health.